The frozen mist from Niagara Falls coats the landscape around Prospect Point at Niagara Falls State Park. The Polar Vortex brought high winds and frigid temperatures to the area Tuesday. (Photo by James Neiss/Niagara Gazette) less

The frozen mist from Niagara Falls coats the landscape around Prospect Point at Niagara Falls State Park. The Polar Vortex brought high winds and frigid temperatures to the area Tuesday. (Photo by James ... more

A sedan sits encased in ice after firefighters battled a nearby fire in bitter cold below-zero temperatures on January 7, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. Temperatures in the single digits coupled with below-zero wind chills have prompted the closure of local governments, schools, and businesses throughout the South. less

A sedan sits encased in ice after firefighters battled a nearby fire in bitter cold below-zero temperatures on January 7, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. Temperatures in the single digits coupled with below-zero ... more

The lighthouse at Pere Marquette Beach is completely frozen after a severe winter storm hit Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014 in Muskegon, Mich. The brutal polar air that has made the Midwest shiver over the past few days spread to the East and the Deep South on Tuesday, shattering records that in some cases had stood for more than a century. less

The lighthouse at Pere Marquette Beach is completely frozen after a severe winter storm hit Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014 in Muskegon, Mich. The brutal polar air that has made the Midwest shiver over the past few days ... more

A semi tractor-trailer slid off the side of Indiana 42 in far eastern Vigo County, Ind. Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 7, 2014. The brutal polar air that has made the Midwest shiver over the past few days spread to the East and the Deep South on Tuesday, shattering records that in some cases had stood for more than a century. less

A semi tractor-trailer slid off the side of Indiana 42 in far eastern Vigo County, Ind. Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 7, 2014. The brutal polar air that has made the Midwest shiver over the past few days spread to ... more

Photo: Jim Avelis, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A semi tractor-trailer slid off the side of Indiana 42 in far... Photo-5695070.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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A tugboat makes its way up the icy waters of the Mississippi River on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, in St. Louis. Tuesday was the worst cold snap in nearly two decades for Missouri.

A tugboat makes its way up the icy waters of the Mississippi River on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, in St. Louis. Tuesday was the worst cold snap in nearly two decades for Missouri.

Photo: Laurie Skrivan, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A tugboat makes its way up the icy waters of the Mississippi River... Photo-5695072.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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The skyline of Pittsburgh is framed by ice along the bank of the Allegheny river at sunset Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Pittsburgh reached a low temperature of minus 9 degrees early Tuesday morning, and a high of 5 degrees. less

The skyline of Pittsburgh is framed by ice along the bank of the Allegheny river at sunset Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Pittsburgh reached a low temperature of minus 9 degrees early Tuesday morning, and a high of 5 ... more

Photo: Gene J. Puskar, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The skyline of Pittsburgh is framed by ice along the bank of the... Photo-5695077.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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A man braves the cold to check out the icy shore of Lake Michigan as temperatures remain in the negative digits on January 7, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A 'polar vortex' of frigid air centered on the North Pole dropped temperatures to the negative double digits at its worst. less

A man braves the cold to check out the icy shore of Lake Michigan as temperatures remain in the negative digits on January 7, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A 'polar vortex' of frigid air centered on the North ... more

Photo: Darren Hauck, Getty Images

A man braves the cold to check out the icy shore of Lake Michigan... Photo-5695062.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Snow sits in piles in the middle of Harrison Street in downtown Alexandria, Ind., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014.

Snow sits in piles in the middle of Harrison Street in downtown Alexandria, Ind., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014.

Photo: Don Knight, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Snow sits in piles in the middle of Harrison Street in downtown... Photo-5695074.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Travis Olesak (R) helps jump start Dan Couillard's (L) vehicle as temperatures remain in the negative digits on January 7, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A 'polar vortex' of frigid air centered on the North Pole dropped temperatures to the negative double digits at its worst. less

Travis Olesak (R) helps jump start Dan Couillard's (L) vehicle as temperatures remain in the negative digits on January 7, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A 'polar vortex' of frigid air centered on the North Pole ... more

A passenger heading toward downtown waits on an "L" platform for the train to arrive in below zero temperatures on January 7, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Platforms were crowded and trains were delayed because doors on the trains kept freezing open. Chicago is experiencing its third consecutive day of below-zero temperatures. less

A passenger heading toward downtown waits on an "L" platform for the train to arrive in below zero temperatures on January 7, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Platforms were crowded and trains were delayed because ... more

Passengers heading into downtown wait on an "L" platform for the train to arrive in below zero temperatures on January 7, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Platforms were crowded and trains were delayed because doors on the trains kept freezing open. Chicago is experiencing its third consecutive day of below-zero temperatures. less

Passengers heading into downtown wait on an "L" platform for the train to arrive in below zero temperatures on January 7, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Platforms were crowded and trains were delayed because doors ... more

Ice crystals gather atop a frozen pond on January 7, 2014 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Temperatures in the single digits coupled with below-zero wind chills have prompted the closure of local governments, schools, and businesses throughout the South. less

Ice crystals gather atop a frozen pond on January 7, 2014 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Temperatures in the single digits coupled with below-zero wind chills have prompted the closure of local governments, ... more

Steam rises from downtown buildings as temperature begin to climb above zero for the first time in more than 30 hours on January 7, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The cold weather has closed schools, wreaked havoc on public transportation and forced more than 1,500 flights to be cancelled at O'Hare Airport. less

Steam rises from downtown buildings as temperature begin to climb above zero for the first time in more than 30 hours on January 7, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The cold weather has closed schools, wreaked havoc ... more

Icicles formed by water from fire department hoses hang from the charred remnants of 58-year-old Gerry Jennette's home in bitter cold below-zero temperatures on January 7, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. Firefighters blamed the blaze, which occurred last night, on a faulty space heater. Temperatures in the single digits coupled with below-zero wind chills have prompted the closure of local governments, schools, and businesses throughout the South. less

Icicles formed by water from fire department hoses hang from the charred remnants of 58-year-old Gerry Jennette's home in bitter cold below-zero temperatures on January 7, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. ... more

Photo: Luke Sharrett, Getty Images

Icicles formed by water from fire department hoses hang from the... Photo-5695065.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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A sedan sits encased in ice after firefighters battled a nearby fire in bitter cold below-zero temperatures on January 7, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. Temperatures in the single digits coupled with below-zero wind chills have prompted the closure of local governments, schools, and businesses throughout the South. less

A sedan sits encased in ice after firefighters battled a nearby fire in bitter cold below-zero temperatures on January 7, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. Temperatures in the single digits coupled with below-zero ... more

A flock of gulls flies against frigid winds of an arctic cold front over the ice of Irondequoit Bay in Irondequoit, N.Y. on Tuesday Jan. 7, 2014. A wind chill warning was issued making it feel like it was 25 degrees below zero or colder for several hours. less

A flock of gulls flies against frigid winds of an arctic cold front over the ice of Irondequoit Bay in Irondequoit, N.Y. on Tuesday Jan. 7, 2014. A wind chill warning was issued making it feel like it was 25 ... more

Lexington Fire Dept. Major Joe Madden, left, and firefighter Casey Wiley, right, looked for hotspots at the scene of an overnight house fire at 238 Swigert Ave. in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. The fire started shortly after midnight and destroyed the house. Lexington firefighters had to battle the fire in sub-zero temperatures. less

Lexington Fire Dept. Major Joe Madden, left, and firefighter Casey Wiley, right, looked for hotspots at the scene of an overnight house fire at 238 Swigert Ave. in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. The ... more

Ice covers rocks and brush on the break wall at Edgewater Park in Cleveland Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. An official low of -11 degrees broke the 130-year-old record for the date as cold polar air spread from the Midwest to southern and eastern parts of the U.S. and eastern Canada. less

Ice covers rocks and brush on the break wall at Edgewater Park in Cleveland Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. An official low of -11 degrees broke the 130-year-old record for the date as cold polar air spread from the ... more

Ann Arbor firefighters covered in ice work to put out a fire that engulfed Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to 15 degrees below zero to extinguish a blaze at the pizza shop. No injuries were reported following the fire. less

Ann Arbor firefighters covered in ice work to put out a fire that engulfed Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to 15 ... more

A woman shields her face as she departs from Union Station with wind chills nearing minus 30 Fahrenheit on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, in downtown Chicago. Dangerously cold polar air snapped decades-old records as it spread Tuesday from the Midwest to southern and eastern parts of the U.S. and eastern Canada, making it hazardous to venture outside and keeping many schools and businesses closed. less

A woman shields her face as she departs from Union Station with wind chills nearing minus 30 Fahrenheit on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, in downtown Chicago. Dangerously cold polar air snapped decades-old records as ... more

Photo: Andrew Nelles, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A woman shields her face as she departs from Union Station with... Photo-5689993.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Frost is shown on a bus stop in Detroit, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Temperatures broke record lows Tuesday in Michigan and residents braced against bitter winds following a storm that shuttered schools, closed government offices. Lows of 14 degrees below zero were reported according to the National Weather Service. less

Frost is shown on a bus stop in Detroit, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Temperatures broke record lows Tuesday in Michigan and residents braced against bitter winds following a storm that shuttered schools, closed ... more

An Ann Arbor firefighter sprays down a section of the building as icicles form on posts while fire engulfs Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to 15 degrees below zero to extinguish a blaze at the pizza shop. No injuries were reported following the fire. less

An Ann Arbor firefighter sprays down a section of the building as icicles form on posts while fire engulfs Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in ... more

Photo: Melanie Maxwell, AP

An Ann Arbor firefighter sprays down a section of the building as... Photo-5690016.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Ice hangs on a fire hydrant and hose as Ann Arbor firefighters work to put out a fire at Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to 15 degrees below zero to extinguish a blaze at the pizza shop. No injuries were reported following the fire. less

Ice hangs on a fire hydrant and hose as Ann Arbor firefighters work to put out a fire at Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that ... more

An Ann Arbor firefighter covered in ice works to put out a fire that engulfed Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to 15 degrees below zero to extinguish a blaze at the pizza shop. No injuries were reported following the fire. less

An Ann Arbor firefighter covered in ice works to put out a fire that engulfed Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to ... more

Photo: Courtney Sacco , AP

An Ann Arbor firefighter covered in ice works to put out a fire... Photo-5690019.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Ice covers the street and cross walk sign as Ann Arbor firefighters work to put out a fire that engulfed Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to 15 degrees below zero to extinguish a blaze at the pizza shop. No injuries were reported following the fire. less

Ice covers the street and cross walk sign as Ann Arbor firefighters work to put out a fire that engulfed Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in ... more

Ice forms on rocks on the Brooklyn waterfront across from lower Manhattan in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. The high temperature is expected to be 10 degrees in the city but wind chills will make it feel more like minus 10. less

Ice forms on rocks on the Brooklyn waterfront across from lower Manhattan in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. The high temperature is expected to be 10 degrees in the city but wind chills will make it feel more ... more

Photo: Peter Morgan, AP

Ice forms on rocks on the Brooklyn waterfront across from lower... Photo-5689989.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Ann Arbor firefighters work to put out a fire that engulfed Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to 15 degrees below zero to extinguish a blaze at the pizza shop. No injuries were reported following the fire. less

Ann Arbor firefighters work to put out a fire that engulfed Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to 15 degrees below ... more

Photo: Melanie Maxwell, AP

Ann Arbor firefighters work to put out a fire that engulfed... Photo-5690017.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Ann Arbor firefighters work to put out a fire that engulfed Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to 15 degrees below zero to extinguish a blaze at the pizza shop. No injuries were reported following the fire. less

Ann Arbor firefighters work to put out a fire that engulfed Happy's Pizza in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Firefighters worked for several hours in temperatures that dipped to 15 degrees below ... more

Photo: Melanie Maxwell, AP

Ann Arbor firefighters work to put out a fire that engulfed... Photo-5690018.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Eli Esch, 13, right, and his dad Tom enjoy the snow fort and igloo they built over the last few weeks, Monday Jan. 6, 2014 in Minneapolis. It is decked out with Christmas lights and the two spent the night in it last week. Eli was enjoying his day off school due to the cold but was relatively warm in the igloo. less

Eli Esch, 13, right, and his dad Tom enjoy the snow fort and igloo they built over the last few weeks, Monday Jan. 6, 2014 in Minneapolis. It is decked out with Christmas lights and the two spent the night in ... more

Chris Tinney, 41, removes snow in front of Racquets Downtown Grill and Drs. Gundersen and Zuker's optometrist office on West Western Avenue in Muskegon, Mich., Monday morning of Jan. 6, 2014. Tinney works for Schultz Landscape Construction, Irrigation, and Snow Removal of Muskegon. "If you dress for it you are okay," Tinney said about the cold. less

Chris Tinney, 41, removes snow in front of Racquets Downtown Grill and Drs. Gundersen and Zuker's optometrist office on West Western Avenue in Muskegon, Mich., Monday morning of Jan. 6, 2014. Tinney works for ... more

U.S. Postal Service letter carrier Jamie Jasmon struggles through snow and below zero temperatures while delivering the mail Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Springfield, Ill. A whirlpool of frigid, dense air known as a "polar vortex" descended into much of the U.S. and plunged temperatures to record lows. less

U.S. Postal Service letter carrier Jamie Jasmon struggles through snow and below zero temperatures while delivering the mail Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Springfield, Ill. A whirlpool of frigid, dense air known as ... more

At left, Terrance Franklin, Gladys Hemphill and Henry Smith stay warm outside near the corner of Drew Street and Cullen Boulevard with a barrel fire Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston.
The group of Third Ward residents say they like to gather to socialize and drink beer. "It's warm by the fire," Hemphill said. less

At left, Terrance Franklin, Gladys Hemphill and Henry Smith stay warm outside near the corner of Drew Street and Cullen Boulevard with a barrel fire Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston.
The group of Third Ward ... more

Joe Bryant, 75, stands in his kitchen with all of the burners on his gas stove on to heat his Third Ward home Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston. "I'm a survivor," said Bryant, who has been living with out heat for the past three years. "You only need it but a couple days out of the year."
Bryant also uses a small electric heater and says he doesn't worry about a fire. "I turn them off at night and I use two comforters on my bed." less

Joe Bryant, 75, stands in his kitchen with all of the burners on his gas stove on to heat his Third Ward home Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston. "I'm a survivor," said Bryant, who has been living with out heat ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Joe Bryant, 75, stands in his kitchen with all of the burners on... Photo-5688093.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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A Delta plane is deiced at Chicago Midway International Airport Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Chicago. The bitter weather comes after a heavy snowstorm hit much of the region last week. More than 400 flights were cancelled at Chicago's airports Monday.(AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato) less

A Delta plane is deiced at Chicago Midway International Airport Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Chicago. The bitter weather comes after a heavy snowstorm hit much of the region last week. More than 400 flights were ... more

Joe Bryant, 75, stands next to the electric space heater he uses to heat his Third Ward home Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston. "I'm a survivor," said Bryant, who has been living with out heat for the past three years. "You only need it but a couple days out of the year."
Bryant also turns on his gas stove to help heat his home and says he doesn't worry about a fire. "I turn them off at night and I use two comforters on my bed." less

Joe Bryant, 75, stands next to the electric space heater he uses to heat his Third Ward home Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston. "I'm a survivor," said Bryant, who has been living with out heat for the past three ... more

Matt Frame brushes off a Buick at Ray Laethem Buick-GMC in Detroit, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014. Michigan residents are preparing for diving temperatures as they dig out from more than 15 inches of snow in places. Snow wrapped up after starting during the weekend. Roads are slippery, with numerous crashes. In the southern Lower Peninsula, temperatures are to drop late Monday or early Tuesday as low as minus 15. less

Matt Frame brushes off a Buick at Ray Laethem Buick-GMC in Detroit, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014. Michigan residents are preparing for diving temperatures as they dig out from more than 15 inches of snow in places. ... more

A "polar vortex" is bringing below-zero temperatures to much of the nation this week, likely setting records. Ryan Metcalf tries to hang on to his golden retriever, Daisy, on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, in Brentwood, Mo. less

A "polar vortex" is bringing below-zero temperatures to much of the nation this week, likely setting records. Ryan Metcalf tries to hang on to his golden retriever, Daisy, on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, in Brentwood, ... more

The arctic wave began dipping as far south as Texas during the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014.

The arctic wave began dipping as far south as Texas during the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014.

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

The arctic wave began dipping as far south as Texas during the... Photo-5682531.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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With temperatures at about 22 below zero with a -50 windchill, it was hard to find the beauty in the brutal weather in Bismarck, N.D., Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Sundogs, a ring of light visible around the sun or moon when light is refracted through ice crystals in the atmosphere, are quite beautiful along Highway 83 north of Bismark ND. less

With temperatures at about 22 below zero with a -50 windchill, it was hard to find the beauty in the brutal weather in Bismarck, N.D., Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Sundogs, a ring of light visible around the sun or ... more

Photo: Brian Peterson, Associated Press

With temperatures at about 22 below zero with a -50 windchill, it... Photo-5682873.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Travelers walk at departure area Terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. The storm hitting the Northeast U.S. is forcing dozens of airports to delay and cancel flights. Sunday night temperatures will drastically drop to about minus 20 degrees. less

Travelers walk at departure area Terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. The storm hitting the Northeast U.S. is forcing dozens of airports to delay and cancel flights. ... more

People push a car on a snowy road in Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Sunday night temperatures will drastically drop to about minus 20 degrees.

People push a car on a snowy road in Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Sunday night temperatures will drastically drop to about minus 20 degrees.

Photo: Nam Y. Huh, AP

People push a car on a snowy road in Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 5,... Photo-5683347.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Travelers get off a Radisson hotel shuttle bus at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Illinois residents are digging out of more snow and preparing for bitterly cold temperatures. Sunday night temperatures are predicted to drop drastically, to about minus 20 degrees. less

Travelers get off a Radisson hotel shuttle bus at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Illinois residents are digging out of more snow and preparing for bitterly cold temperatures. ... more

O'Hare airport crews work to de-ice planes at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Temperatures not seen in years are likely to set records in the coming days across the Midwest, Northeast and South, creating dangerous travel conditions and prompting church and school closures. less

O'Hare airport crews work to de-ice planes at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Temperatures not seen in years are likely to set records in the coming days across the Midwest, ... more

A man wears a face mask and heavy clothes while walking through downtown Springfield, Ill., in blowing and falling snow as a strong winter storm moves through the Midwest Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Temperatures not seen in years are likely to set records in the coming days across the Midwest, Northeast and South, creating dangerous travel conditions and prompting church and school closures. less

A man wears a face mask and heavy clothes while walking through downtown Springfield, Ill., in blowing and falling snow as a strong winter storm moves through the Midwest Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Temperatures not ... more

A pedestrian shields himself from the cold temperatures on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. The National Weather Service has posted winter storm warnings through Friday morning in most of the state. Temperatures are in the single digits or below zero, with the wind making it feel as cold as 20-30 below zero in some areas. less

A pedestrian shields himself from the cold temperatures on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. The National Weather Service has posted winter storm warnings through Friday morning in most of the state. ... more

Photo: Mike Groll, AP

A pedestrian shields himself from the cold temperatures on Friday,... Photo-5675546.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Albany firefighter Chris Kollias helps motorists jump start a vehicle on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. The National Weather Service has posted winter storm warnings through Friday morning in most of the state. Temperatures are in the single digits or below zero, with the wind making it feel as cold as 20-30 below zero in some areas. less

Albany firefighter Chris Kollias helps motorists jump start a vehicle on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. The National Weather Service has posted winter storm warnings through Friday morning in most of the ... more

Subzero temperatures were recorded in Central New York Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, as steam pours out of chimneys in downtown Syracuse, N.Y.

Subzero temperatures were recorded in Central New York Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, as steam pours out of chimneys in downtown Syracuse, N.Y.

Photo: Dick Blume, AP

Subzero temperatures were recorded in Central New York Friday, Jan.... Photo-5675552.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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A man takes photos of snowmen with the Capitol in the background, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in Washington. After a storm blew through the Washington region overnight, roads are being cleared and many schools systems are closed. The federal government and the District of Columbia government will be open Friday, but workers have the option to take leave or telework. less

A man takes photos of snowmen with the Capitol in the background, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in Washington. After a storm blew through the Washington region overnight, roads are being cleared and many schools ... more

Photo: Evan Vucci, AP

A man takes photos of snowmen with the Capitol in the background,... Photo-5675314.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Nick warms himself on a steam grate with three other homeless men by the Federal Trade Commission, just blocks from the Capitol, during frigid temperatures in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. A winter storm that swept across the Midwest this week blew through the Northeast on Friday, leaving bone-chilling cold in its wake. less

Nick warms himself on a steam grate with three other homeless men by the Federal Trade Commission, just blocks from the Capitol, during frigid temperatures in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. A winter storm ... more

Photo: Jacquelyn Martin, STF

Nick warms himself on a steam grate with three other homeless men... Photo-5680953.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Liam Necina is pulled along in a snow sled on 58th Street by his mother Noreen, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in New York. New York City public schools were closed Friday after up to 7 inches of snow fell by morning in the first snowstorm of the winter. less

Liam Necina is pulled along in a snow sled on 58th Street by his mother Noreen, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in New York. New York City public schools were closed Friday after up to 7 inches of snow fell by morning in ... more

Photo: John Minchillo, AP

Liam Necina is pulled along in a snow sled on 58th Street by his... Photo-5675934.77137 - Houston Chronicle

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Ice crystals form on an abandoned store's front window in Syracuse, N.Y., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. New York City public schools were closed Friday after up to 7 inches of snow fell by morning in the first snowstorm of the winter. less

Ice crystals form on an abandoned store's front window in Syracuse, N.Y., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. New York City public schools were closed Friday after up to 7 inches of snow fell by morning in the first ... more